Solomon scheduled for change of plea hearing

The former East Washington police chief accused of extortion will plead guilty to federal charges next month.

Donald Abraham Solomon is scheduled for a change of plea hearing Jan. 4 before U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

Solomon, 56, who is said to have characterized himself as “the best cop money can buy,” was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly accepting money from an FBI agent posing as a drug dealer and selling the agent law enforcement-restricted Tasers. He was charged under the Hobbs Act, in which each count carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison without parole and a $250,000 fine.

He also is accused directing Timothy D. Johnson of East Washington to fire shots at his former girlfriend’s car. Shots also hit the North Franklin Township home where she had been staying.

Solomon was taken into custody Oct. 28, 2011, by the FBI. He was fired by East Washington soon afterward.

Johnson pleaded guilty in federal court to 11 criminal charges last month. He is awaiting sentencing.

Neither Marketa Sims, the assistant federal public defender who represents Solomon, nor a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney’s office immediately returned calls seeking comment.